COUNTY REVIEW SCHEMES.

asked the Minister of Health (1) on what date instructions were first issued to local authorities asking them to formulate schemes for extending their boundaries or absorbing smaller local authorities with a view to more efficient local government; by what date it was suggested such authorities should report; whether any final date is
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contemplated in this connection; and how many schemes have been approved and carried out up to date;

(2) how many schemes for altering and extending the boundaries of the larger local authorities, with a view to improving the efficiency of local government, are still awaited; how many are under consideration; and whether, in view of the difficulties experienced by the parishes and other smaller local authorities, having regard to the uncertainty of their future, he intends to take any steps to expedite a conclusion of this matter?

Sir H. YOUNG

I assume that my hon. Friend refers to county review schemes. Section 46 of the Local Government Act, 1929, required county councils to formulate schemes and to submit them to me by 1st April, 1932, or such later date as I might allow. I have now received all the schemes excepting only one for a part of Cheshire, the time for the submission of which I have extended to 1st July. The schemes for which orders still fall to be made by me are those for the West Riding of Yorkshire, Durham and Lindsey, for the part of Cheshire, and for relatively small parts of six other counties out of the total of 61 counties covered by the Section. The outstanding part of the work will be dealt with as expeditiously as the circumstances allow.